Sephar
“A numbering”
Summary
A mountain in southern Arabia marking the eastern boundary of the Joktanite peoples' territory.
☩Location
Sephar is described as 'a mountain of the east' forming the boundary of the Joktanite tribes, with the line from Mesha to Sephar defining their territory. The identification with the ancient city Zafar (or Dhafari) on the coast of Hadramaut in southern Arabia near the Indian Ocean is widely accepted. This site was once the royal seat of the ancient Sabean kings.
☩The Joktanites
Joktan was the son of Eber and brother of Peleg, from whom descended numerous Arabian tribes. The Joktanites occupied the southwestern portion of the Arabian peninsula, and Sephar marked the eastern extent of their settlements. That it is called 'a mountain of the east' reflects the Hebrew practice of describing Arabia as the 'east country.'
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sephar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Sephar," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sephar," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).